Viewpoint
Roche du Feu
Gouézec · Finistère
A 281 m summit in the Montagnes Noires, with a view over the Aulne valley, the Monts d’Arrée, the bay of Douarnenez and up to 33 church spires on a clear day.
- Suggested time
- 30 minutes to 1 hour, longer if you continue on the trails.
- Type of place
- Viewpoint
- Atmosphere
- Rural, historic and wide open.
- Getting there
- By road to the Gouézec area, then a short walk depending on where you park.
Who this place suits
- With family
- 8/10
- As a couple
- 9/10
- With friends
- 8/10
- Solo
- 9/10
- With a dog
- 8/10
- Reduced mobility
- 5/10
These scores are calculated from what the page records: official rating, facilities, difficulty, duration and location. They are a guide, not a substitute for contacting the venue, especially about accessibility.
About
The Roche du Feu, Karreg an Tan in Breton, towers over Gouézec at 281 m. The town describes it as a protected site with a view over the Aulne valley, the Monts d’Arrée to the north and the bay of Douarnenez to the west. According to the local council, up to 33 church spires within 40 km can be seen on a clear day. The name comes from a tradition of warning fires lit to alert people to invasions, notably during Viking raids.
What you will see
- Type of site: a rocky summit and historic viewpoint.
- Main view: the Aulne valley, the Monts d’Arrée, the Montagnes Noires and the bay of Douarnenez.
- Walking: a short approach, depending on where you park.
- Heritage: a former lookout where warning fires were reportedly lit against invasions.
- Environment: a ridge of Plougastel schist, typical of the area’s geology.
- The summit rises to 281 m.
Show 2 more pointsHide
- It is a protected site.
- The local council mentions up to 33 church spires visible within 40 km on a clear day.
Practical information
- Address
- Roche du Feu, 29190 Gouézec
- Getting there
- By road to the Gouézec area, then a short walk depending on where you park
- Public transport
- A car is recommended
- Services
- Very few services at the summit; bring water and plan ahead
- Pets
- Yes, on a lead
- Accessibility
- Limited if the final path is uneven
- Pushchair
- Not well suited on the last natural stretch
- Difficulty
- Easy to moderate
- Safety
- Take care on the rocks and in wet weather
- Best time
- A clear morning or late afternoon with excellent visibility; all year in clear weather
- Photography
- Excellent for views over inland Finistère
- Nearby
- The Aulne valley, the Nantes-Brest canal, the Monts d’Arrée, Châteaulin, Gouézec
Tips on the spot
- Check the local weather on the day; in fog or very poor visibility, postpone if the view is your main aim.
- Come in the morning or late in the day for softer light and fewer people.
- Bring a windproof and waterproof layer: the wind makes it feel much colder.
- Wear shoes with good grip; after heavy rain, paths can be muddy or slippery.
- Never cross a fence or safety marking for a better photo, and stay back from the cliff edge in strong wind.
Show 8 more tipsHide
- With children, be especially careful near cliffs, rocks and exposed areas; keep dogs on a lead.
- Stay on the paths to limit erosion, and take all your litter home.
- Do not count on toilets at the viewpoint, and bring water if the site is isolated.
- Do not fly a drone without checking the rules, and do not disturb seabirds.
- For sunset, plan your walk back after dark and bring a small torch.
- Only come in good visibility if the distant view is your goal.
- Bring a windproof jacket.
- Avoid wet rocks.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of viewpoint is it?
A rocky summit and historic viewpoint.
What can you see from it?
The Aulne valley, the Monts d’Arrée, the Montagnes Noires and the bay of Douarnenez.
Why is it worth the detour?
One of the great high points of inland Finistère, remarkable for the breadth of its view and its history as a lookout.
How much time should I allow?
30 minutes to 1 hour, longer if you continue on the trails.
How far do I need to walk?
A short approach, depending on where you park.
Is the site free?
Yes, access is free.
Stay in Gouézec
Places to stay that are still available, with current prices, compared across the main booking platforms.
Partner link: a booking made from this map may earn us a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Read in the journal
- SeasonWhat to do in Finistère during the All Saints’ holidaysThe Pointe du Raz, Océanopolis, the Huelgoat forest, spring tides and the legends of the Monts d’Arrée: our ideas for All Saints’ 2026 in Finistère.
- Winter holidaysWhat to do in Finistère during the February holidaysOcéanopolis, wave battered headlands, spring tides in the Iroise, Locronan and Huelgoat: our ideas for the February 2027 holidays in Finistère.
- ChristmasWhat to do in Finistère during the Christmas holidaysChristmas at Trévarez, the Quimper Christmas village, Locronan lit up, Océanopolis and wild headlands: our ideas for the 2026 Christmas holidays in Finistère.
Traveller reviews
Nobody has reviewed this place yet.
Photograph: Moreau.henri · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons